Design, fabrication and testing of a manual honey extractor.

Abstract

One of the major factors affecting honey quality is the method adopted in its extraction from the honeycomb. Most developing countries, particularly African countries lack appropriate equipment for honey extraction, and this affects their honey export potential. This research aimed at fabricating a honey extractor using locally available materials. The study was conducted from the design and fabrication of the equipment and perform performance evaluation of the honey extractor in comparison screw press and tradition honey extraction methods. The volume of the extraction chamber was 8650.52 cm3 and has an extraction rate and efficiency of 55.86 Kg/hr and 78.5% respectively. The extractor ensures timeliness, reduces drudgery involved in the extraction. Similarly, risk of contamination, overheating, over exposure to the environment, contact with hands and the filtering medium are bound to be reduced. Its affordable, durable and requires no special skill to be operated. It’s recommended for both small scale and medium scale processors. Design related engineering properties of honey comb were also determined. Finally, containers and processing equipment such as stainless steel and other related food grade plastics compatible with acidic Food should be used for the construction.